Railroad Flat Campground

The relatively quiet Railroad Flat Campground sits on the banks of the Merced River and is named for the old Yosemite Valley Railroad that once passed through the area. There are opportunities for hiking on the Merced River Trail, rafting, fishing and, in low water, swimming. The Merced River Trail, which follows the old railroad grade, is a great place for early season wildflower walks among the famous poppies of the Merced River Canyon.

The campground itself is at the end of the Briceburg River Road, 4.5 miles from the suspension bridge just after the intersection with Highway 140. It’s less than an hour from the entrance to Yosemite National Park and also within easy driving distance of the delicious restaurants and stores in the town of Mariposa.

The Railroad Flat Campground has six drive-up sites and three walk-in sites and pit toilets. The campground is managed by the Bureau of Land Management on a first-come first-served basis. Sites cost $10 per night with a maximum of eight people and two vehicles per site. Trailers over 18 feet and RVs are not recommended crossing the suspension bridge. Dogs are allowed at the campground, but must be kept on a leash at all times and are not allowed at McCabe Beach.

For more information, see the official BLM page for Railroad Flat Campground.